Jenny’s Stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) is a popular ornamental succulent and low-growing groundcover. Its vibrant golden-yellow or chartreuse leaves can shift to amber or orange in cooler temperatures. This plant’s ease of care makes it widely used in garden designs.
Understanding Jenny’s Stonecrop
Jenny’s Stonecrop grows as a low, mat-forming plant, reaching 2 to 6 inches tall and spreading 12 to 24 inches wide. Its needle-like leaves provide texture. In summer, it produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers. Foliage color is most intense with ample sunlight.
Jenny’s Stonecrop thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain vibrant color and compact form. Partial shade is tolerated, but insufficient light leads to duller foliage and less vigorous growth. It prefers well-draining, sandy or gritty soil. The plant adapts to a range of soil pH, from neutral to slightly alkaline, and is hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9.
Planting and Ongoing Care
Plant Jenny’s Stonecrop from mid-spring to early summer, allowing establishment before extreme heat. Select a location with well-draining soil, such as garden beds, rock gardens, or containers. Ensure proper spacing for its spreading habit, and water adequately immediately after planting.
Once established, Jenny’s Stonecrop is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering. Water deeply once every three weeks, or when the soil has completely dried out. Avoid overwatering; this succulent stores water in its fleshy leaves and is prone to root rot in consistently wet conditions. The plant needs little to no supplemental fertilization; rich soil can lead to weak, leggy growth. If soil is poor, a light application of succulent or balanced granular fertilizer in spring, or compost, can provide nutrients.
Jenny’s Stonecrop is a low-maintenance plant, naturally maintaining its shape with minimal pruning. Remove dead or damaged stems to keep the plant tidy. A light shearing in early spring can refresh the plant and encourage new, fuller growth. Removing spent flowers, while not essential, redirects energy towards foliage production.
Propagating Jenny’s Stonecrop
Propagating Jenny’s Stonecrop is straightforward, primarily through stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, snip a healthy stem and allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a few days. Plant the callused cutting into a well-draining, sand-rich potting mix, keeping the soil slightly moist until roots develop. New plants form from these cuttings.
Division is another effective method, especially for established plants. Dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller clumps, ensuring each section has healthy stems and roots. Replant these sections at the same depth as the original, providing initial watering to help them establish. Both methods expand your Jenny’s Stonecrop collection.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Despite its resilience, Jenny’s Stonecrop can face issues, primarily from improper care. Root rot is the most frequent problem, resulting from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and mushy stems. To address this, ensure well-draining soil and allow it to dry completely between waterings; in severe cases, trim affected parts and repot healthy sections.
Inadequate light can cause Jenny’s Stonecrop to become leggy, stretching towards a light source, and its vibrant color may fade. Move the plant to a location receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to restore compact growth and rich coloration. While resistant to pests, aphids can appear. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can manage these infestations.
Landscaping Uses
Jenny’s Stonecrop is a versatile plant for many garden settings. Its spreading, mat-forming habit makes it an excellent groundcover, suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion. It is well-suited for rock gardens, where its golden foliage can spill over stones and soften hard edges.
This plant performs well in borders, along pathways, and as a “spiller” in containers or hanging baskets. Its vibrant color and low-maintenance requirements make it an aesthetic and functional choice for various landscape designs.